Calhoun Contract Extension Nearly Done

UConn Men

STORRS — — Negotiations on Jim Calhoun's contract extension appear to be in the final phase and, as the UConn coach said Friday, finalization is imminent.

Calhoun offered no specific timetable for completion or an announcement of the extension, but did say, "We're probably down to a word or two."

Calhoun, 67 and in his 24th season at UConn, is in the final year of a six-year contract that pays him $1.6 million this season and expires in June.

A UConn source said Calhoun's extension is for five years, meaning he would be under contract through the 2014-15 season. Calhoun would not confirm that.

"You're certainly in the ballpark and I would be happy with the length we've already agreed upon," he said.

Calhoun, previously the coach at Northeastern for 14 seasons, is 811-344 overall, with NCAA titles in 1999 and 2004 at UConn. He is sixth on the all-time Division I wins list, 19 behind Jim Phelan.

Last season, Calhoun coached UConn to a third Final Four. The Huskies lost in a national semifinal to Michigan State and finished 31-5, Calhoun's seventh season with at least 30 victories.

During the NCAA West Regional, allegations of improprieties involving UConn's recruitment of Nate Miles were reported by Yahoo! Sports. In response, the NCAA launched a review of the UConn program that probably won't be completed until after this season.

Calhoun, a three-time cancer survivor, said in April that he would give extra consideration to retirement but soon announced he would be back this season and looked forward to coaching UConn "into the future."

In June, Calhoun broke several ribs after falling off his bike in a charity event, but he has since been in good health and spirits.

Majok: Two-Year Stay?

Ater Majok will debut, and possibly start at power forward, Sunday as the No.14 Huskies (6-2) host Central Florida (7-3) at the XL Center.

Majok, 22, is listed as a freshman. To UConn's understanding, Majok has this and three other seasons of eligibility. NCAA Division I has a loose age limit of 25.

Calhoun expects Majok, who declared for the NBA draft last summer, to spend two years in the program.

"It's different than when other guys have joined us at this point before, only because he practiced some last year, has practiced this year," Calhoun said. "There are things he does exceptionally well, a lot of things he doesn't do as well: fouling, being too aggressive, traveling. If he eliminates those and does the good things he does, he'll be a very good addition to the team, long-term wise. Obviously for me, the shorter the term, the better."

Calhoun was unsure whether he would continue to start Charles Okwandu, who's averaging just 6.6 minutes, or go with Majok.

"We're going to keep Gavin [Edwards] where he is because he's performing exceptionally well at that position and he's given us a spark off the bench that I think will help us," Calhoun said.

Looking Down The Bench

UConn has been hindered by a lack of depth.

"We certainly need a bench," Calhoun said. "And you're never going to get one unless you use it. They've got to give me reason to use it, too. I've played six-man teams before, too. I don't want to do that. We've kind of virtually played a six-man team the first quarter of the schedule."

Calhoun hopes to use the bench over the next three games, with Maine and Iona following Central Florida.

"You have to get wins, and you have to get your team better, the total team," he said. "Hopefully the bench will have a lot to say."

Calhoun hopes for a lift from Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, Jamaal Trice or Darius Smith.

"Jamaal Trice has played exceptionally well, Darius Smith has been more assertive and Jamal Coombs has done the same," Calhoun said.

Smith, for now, might be the odd man out. Calhoun said he will play Coombs-McDaniel more if Central Florida goes to a zone, Trice more if the Knights play man-to-man. ... UConn players finished their course work/exams as late as Thursday and Calhoun could tell the pressure had gotten to them Friday. "We had kind of a somewhat sloppy practice," he said. "During the finals, we actually practiced pretty well." ... The player who might benefit most from Majok's arrival is center Alex Oriakhi, who will have rebounding help, see fewer double teams and get more rest. "He's going to help us so much, especially with his shot-blocking ability," Oriakhi said. "I've never seen anything like that in my life, the way he blocks shots. He'll be the baby Hasheem of the team." ... Central Florida is led by shooting guard Isaac Sosa, who averages 12.5 points, and forwards A.J. Tyler (11.1 points) and Keith Clanton (9.1 points, 6.6 rebounds). ... UConn has won the first game out of the break for final exams every year under Calhoun (23-0).